ISLAMABAD – Parliament has passed the Domestic Violence Bill 2025, making threats of divorce, second marriage, and stalking of wife criminal offenses.
The bill was approved in a joint session, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. The parliament also approved several other bills.
The Domestic Violence Bill 2025 aims at providing better protection for women, children, the elderly, and other vulnerable members of society.
The bill, which will be enforced in capital city of Islamabad, addresses a broad range of abusive behaviors, making it a criminal offense to threaten, verbally abuse, or physically harm family members.
The bill states that the emotional, psychological and verbal abuse include “repeated exhibition of obsessive jealousy causing repeated invasion of the victim’s privacy, liberty, integrity and security; insults or ridicule directed at the aggrieved person; threats to cause physical pain to spouse or other members of shared household; threats of divorce or second marriage on baseless accusation, stalking and compelling the wife to cohabit with anybody other than the husband”.
The bill now recognizes emotional and psychological abuse as criminal offenses, and those found guilty could face up to 3 years in prison and fines of up to Rs100,000.
Protection for Vulnerable Individuals: In addition to protecting wives and children, the bill extends its reach to disabled persons, the elderly, and transgender individuals. It also criminalizes the act of forcing a wife or family member to live with others against their will.
Sexual and Economic Exploitation: The bill also includes provisions related to sexual and economic exploitation. Perpetrators of these offenses could face additional penalties, including further imprisonment if fines are not paid.
Right to Shared Residence: Victims of domestic violence are granted the right to remain in a shared residence, and if the perpetrator is found guilty, they must make alternative living arrangements for the victim. In extreme cases, perpetrators will be ordered to stay away from the victim and could be monitored through a GPS tracker.
Swift Legal Proceedings: Legal proceedings will be expedited, with hearings scheduled within seven days of a complaint being filed and a ruling expected within 90 days.
The legislation aims to ensure a safer environment for vulnerable members of society by promoting accountability and providing legal protection for those suffering from domestic violence.
